Allina nurse collects bikes for kids in need

[KSTP-TV News, September 18, 2021] A Maple Grove woman's efforts to give bikes to kids in need has kicked into high gear.

Deb Fortner, a nurse at Allina Health, started collecting bikes in 2016. That first year she collected nine bikes. Fast forward to 2021, and she's already collected more than 1,000 bikes this year.

Her front yard is completely covered in bikes to be donated to an organization called Free Bikes 4 Kids MN. The nonprofit partners with mechanics, who clean up the bikes and make sure they're in working condition before distributing them to kids who don't have bikes.

Fortner says she believes every child should have the opportunity to ride a bike.

CCX Media and WCCO TV News also reported on this story.